Economic Census
Table of Contents
- What is the Economic Census?
- Guide to the 2007 Economic Census
- 2007 Economic Census Data in American FactFinder
- Guide to the 2002 Economic Census
- Published Data from the 2002 Economic Census
- 2002 Economic Census Data in American FactFinder
What is the Economic Census?
The Economic Census profiles American business every five years, from the national to the local level. In 2002, there were nearly 25 million business establishments in the U.S. Over 7 million of these had paid employees, and accounted for 96.5 percent of business receipts. These are the businesses that are included in most Economic Census reports. In addition, there were over 17 million businesses with no payroll, mostly self-employed persons. Data on these nonemployers are included in Nonemployer Statistics and the Survey of Business Owners only. 2007 Economic Census forms were sent to more than 4 million businesses in December 2007, asking for information about business activity during calendar 2007. 2007 Economic Census results will be published during 2009 and 2010. For more information, see the new 2007 Economic Census main page.
The 2002 Economic Census published data primarily on the basis of the 2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Selected data were published according to the 2007 NAICS to allow precise comparisons between 2002 and 1997. The statistics issued by industry in the 2007 Economic Census are classified primarily on the 2007 NAICS, and, to a lesser extent, on the 2002 NAICS used in the previous census.
Economic Census statistics are collected and published primarily by “establishment.” An establishment is a business or industrial unit at a single physical location that produces or distributes goods or performs services.
The most detailed data are provided for the U.S. as a whole. Key statistics, albeit progressively fewer, are available for states, metropolitan and micropolitan areas, counties, and places with 2,500 or more inhabitants. Only limited data are provided for ZIP Codes. Statistics for smaller areas are more frequently withheld to avoid disclosing information about individual firms.
For more information about the Economic Census, follow these links:
- business.census.gov
- 2007 Economic Census User Guide
- Guide to the 2002 Economic Census
- How People Use Economic Census Data
- The Economic Census: What’s In It For You?
- Understanding the 2002 Economic Census
- Quicksheet: Accessing Economic Census Data
- 2002 Economic Census Conference Slide-Lectures
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Ask Dr. Census
Earlier Economic Census results available online:
All information for this site taken from the U.S. Census Bureau: Economic Census website.